A place like the Right Livers' Rest was bound to draw freaks, same as molasses draws flies. 1935, George Goodchild, chapter 5, in Death on the Centre Court: By one o'clock the place was choc-a-bloc.
Respiratory infections as well as infections of certain glands can be a cause of excessive saliva, according to the National Library of Medicine. Children with a cold, influenza or nasal allergies may have excessive saliva and drool.
Any disorder affecting nerves associated with the mouth or throat can result in excessive saliva, either because more is being produced, or because of difficulties in swallowing, more is being stored in the mouth.